Leadership crisis in Nepali Congress: Largest Democratic Party of Nepal
Somnath Ghimire
President, NSU USA & Canada Chapter
Today Nepal faces a crisis of leadership. Nepali Congress Party, the largest democratic organization is suffering during this time of leadership crisis when needed right now due to a political turmoil in Nepal. With the crisis clearly accepted by professional pollsters, astute observers and established leaders, the question becomes for us, how do we curb the current crisis of leadership? Which leader is to take responsibility for the events happening in Nepal? Who is the real leader as a role model? Perhaps the answer is found in returning to the basics of leadership. It is not simplistic to say that the current crisis stems from faulty leadership discovery and poor leadership development. But there is also another underlying reason for the current crisis of leadership: selfish leadership.
Why our leaders in Nepal became power & wealth oriented? And each of our so called democratic leaders should have engaged in a process in their democratic ways, which could, in time, produce an acceptable democratic system. Transparency is a hallmark of democracy. The content of democratic traditions is best made by example rather than by empty words. Our leaders did not recognize the real followers of the party, who have been struggling hard through out their life for the shake of the party and people. Who do we follow and trust?
The selfish leader will attempt to lead others for their own gain and for the detriment of others. These people believe that life is a point driven, zero-sum game, with winners and losers. They encourage others to be losers in the game of life so that they can collect all the spoils for themselves. Selfish leaders are driven by dishonesty.
As the NC leader and then PM Girija babu dissolved the parliament in 1994, the evil days and black cloud started again in Nepal. The NC must take all the responsibilities of the political uncertainty and agony in Nepal. The Nepalese people trusted NC for two general elections. Alas! It could not function well and Nepalese people suffered a lot again onto uncertainty of political agony and detraction of NC. Some of our leaders are all to be blamed as the root cause of political uncertainty in Nepal. Why our leaders have to be involved in corruptions while our hard earned baby democracy was just fostering? Had they been highly moralized and gave the people the test of a good governance, the country would not have been plunged into darkness and king himself would not be spearheaded as at present. And also there would not have been Maoist's problems. Now again, Girija Babu is trying to hold on to his power in NC which might be the result of his unsuccessful leadership in Nepalese politics. We can still remember how he went to the poll even there was the majority of NC in parliament. It is of utmost important to give leadership to young generation in Nepal.
Now our country Nepal needs a leader like Gagan Kumar Thapa and Narhari Acharya, whose impact is for their good and the good of Nepal and society. If leaders of 21st Century do not bring change as needed by the timeframe, their impact will be disastrous. We can understand that in 2017 BS, NC has to shoulder the Monarchy but not necessarily in 21st Century. Just as polluted water is as bad, or worse, than no water, so selfish leadership is as bad, or worse, than no leadership in any democratic institutions. The great need of the day is for that leadership, who is potential with high hope and aspiration and can bring changes in our society when needed. Our leaders in Nepal must ask themselves, Am I a true leader and who am I leading to and where?
Many of Nepali leaders have a faulty understanding of what it means to be a leader; they have chosen not to ask this question. Many people have been called to be leaders but have dismissed that call because they are not sure what a leader looks like or what a leader does. As a result potential leaders have failed to blossom because there is not any discipline and transparency in Nepali Congress' leadership. To counteract this problem, we have to take intentional steps to stir up the leadership potential in Nepali Congress.
Certainly, leadership is vital in the political realms. But, those realms are only the beginning -- and they may not be the most important areas in need of true leaders. Our leaders need to realize that they must broaden their definition of the spheres of leadership. They should understand that leaders are needed everywhere, in all aspects of life. Leaders in Nepal need to discover their leadership potential and they will embark on a journey that will truly be a nation making, life changing and life making.
True and clean leadership is the greatest key to curb the current crisis of leadership in Nepal. Due to poor leadership development, some people are in a position lead, but they lack the skills to do it effectively. We must give attention to our own leadership potential. As a leader in many different realms of life, we must develop the traits of great leaders like Late BP Koirala and Ganesh Man Singh. They were always guided by three life-precepts: integrity, innovation, and intelligence. And they have given their attention to the development of each of the three precepts. As a leader, listen to your inner voice and begin developing the strong character that defines a leader. If a leader listens to second or third person for his decision making, he is not a leader; instead we call him a defector.
We support leaders like Gagan Thapa and Narhari Acharya to continue their struggle without halting despite difficulties or setbacks. Those who win are those who continue one minute longer. We all know that it is the commitment to daily excellence that leads to their eventual destination: republican setup in Nepal.
It reminds me that "There are no traffic jams on the extra mile." The current leadership crisis calls for people who will go the extra mile to discover their leadership potential and develop their leadership ability. As we embark on this journey, remember that the Chinese character for crisis is a combination of the symbols for danger and opportunity. This is very insightful. The crisis of leadership is a dangerous time when people are without clear direction as it is happening in Nepal. However, it is also an opportunity for those who are willing to give attention to leadership development. Our culture is crying out for good leadership, and those who seek to meet the demand will succeed in bringing about positive and lasting transformation, ultimately leads to a republic Nepal.
